Chennai: Leading consultants such as Deloitte, Rites Ltd, TUV SUD and Balaji Railroad Systems Ltd have evinced interest in preparing a feasibility study to integrate Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) operated by the Southern Railway and Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) that comes under the purview of the State government.

These companies had participated in a pre-bid meeting to appoint the consultant held recently, said sources.

In a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August last, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had said the integration is desirable and feasible as MRTS has been substantially funded by the State government. The integration would enable effective synergies between various modes of public transport and increase share of public transport, she had said.

Aid from Japan agency

CMRL is a joint venture of the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government to construct Metro Rail Project Phase I in Chennai with loan assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency. Chennai Metro weaves through the bustling commercial and residential areas of the city.

The first phase consists of two corridors of total length 45 km.

The first corridor stretches from Washermanpet to Chennai Airport and the second from Chennai Central to St Thomas Mount.

Construction work

The construction work in different sections of phase-1 of this project is in progress. CMRL has been operational from Koyambedu to Alandur since June 29, 2015. This was extended to Airport recently.

The 19-km line of the Chennai MRTS extends from Chennai Beach to Velachery . A 5-km extension of the line from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount is under construction. On its part, Southern Railway (SR) gave a Terms of Reference to CMRL for the integration. The CMRL was authorised to appoint the consultant, sources in Southern Railway said.

The consultant should deal with various assets pertaining to the departments of engineering, electrical, signal and telecommunication, track works, including formation/ overhead structures, stations.

This would be required to be handed over to CMRL for operation and maintenance.

The ownership of the assets may also be required to be transferred to CMRL.